Notes:"This
year is typical of those to come: the P-mint is fairly common and 1897-O
& S fairly scarce. Surprisingly, the 1897-O with its very low mintage
has almost double the certified population of the 1897-S. Also surprising
is the fact that the O-mint is currently valued above the 1897-S. This
makes the 1897-S one of the best kept secrets of the Barber dime series.

Strikes for this year are typical of
the three mints in general, with the 1897-S being the best (but rarely
proof-like) and the 1897-O the worst."

The finest Uncirculated
examples graded by PCGS are 3 MS-67's.

The finest Proof examples graded by PCGS are 3 PR-68's.

The finest Proof Cameo example graded by PCGS is a single PRCA-68.

The finest Proof Deep Cameo examples graded by PCGS are 2 PRDC-66's.

Sources and/or recommended
reading:
"The Complete Guide To Certified Barber Coinage" by David &
John Feigenbaum

"The PCGS Population Report, July 2003" by The
Professional Coin Grading Service